Up to 47% of the United States population struggles with embarrassment or unhappiness due to the dreaded double chin, which is also known as submental fat. This buildup of fat beneath the chin occurs because of genetics, poor diet, or lack of exercise. By changing diet habits and engaging in regular physical activity, many people can reduce or eliminate their excess chin fat. For patients who cannot get rid of their submental fat with diet and exercise, and don’t want the risks of surgery, Kybella may be the answer.
What is Kybella?
Kybella is an injectable treatment for excessive submental fat. Made of deoxycholic acid, Kybella is injected directly into the chin deposits to disintegrate the fat cells. Once the fat cells are absorbed by the body, you’ll never have to worry about the fat deposit returning. This makes Kybella a great long-term solution for a stubborn double chin.
What should I expect with Kybella treatments?
Kybella should only be administered by a trained medical professional. Before treatment, you will be asked to go over your medical history and current medications, including over-the-counter medications and vitamins. You should not receive Kybella injections if you:
- Have an infection at the treatment site
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
- Have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners
- Have medical conditions or recent surgery on the face, neck, or chin
- Have trouble swallowing
It takes about 15-20 minutes to complete a Kybella treatment session. The number of treatment sessions you will need depends on your current amount of submental fat and desired chin profile. Kybella treatments are given at least one month apart, and no more than six treatments should be given in total. As shown in early clinical trials, 59% of patients received all six treatments.
During a Kybella treatment, you will receive several small injections directly into your excess chin fat. The number of injections will depend on the amount of submental fat you have. Slight stinging or discomfort is common at the injection sites but should go away quickly.
Are there any side effects?
As with any medical treatment, there is the possibility of side effects. The most common side effects of Kybella are swelling, pain, numbness, redness, and hard areas at the treatment sites. Some of the severe, but rare, side effects that are possible with Kybella treatments are:
- Nerve injury in the jaw
- Trouble swallowing
- Necrosis at the injection sites
- Open sores at the injection sites
If you experience any of these more severe side effects after being treated with Kybella, contact your doctor immediately.
What about recovery time?
The great thing about Kybella is that it is less invasive than submental surgery, so you can get back to your typical routine quickly. Some people can even return to their normal activities on the same day! Following treatment, you may experience redness, bruising, or stinging at the treatment site. However, these side effects should resolve within a few days. If you want a long-term solution for your excessive chin fat without the risks of surgery, consider trying Kybella.
At TLC Medical in Tampa, our trained professionals have helped many patients treat their embarrassing chin fat with Kybella. Visit www.wegivetlc.com/contact/ to learn more and schedule an appointment today.
